A. A new book
Ellie Kildunne’s autobiography GAMECHANGER, co-written with Alex Bywater, will appear in bookshops on 9 April.
How does she fit it all in? – training, vlogs, sponsorship appearances, coaching demos, award ceremonies…
I must pick up the game again.
B. Retirements
Four distinguished international players are hanging up their boots: Kelly Brazier (Black Ferns), Isabella Locatelli (Colorno and Italy, 56 caps), Jade Konkel (Quins and Scotland, 74 caps) and Kerin Lake (Glos-Pury and Wales, 54 caps).
Kelly, a leading figure in Black Ferns rugby, both 7s and 15s for well over a decade, has a cupboardful of top trophies to her credit. It’s good news that she will continue her involvement in the game through coaching.
Isabella recalls arranging with Rhona Lloyd that, if they should reach reach their 50th caps in the same match, they would take the field hand in hand. And that is exactly what happened. Even more remarkable; Veronica Madia reached her 50th in that game.
Jade was at the heart of the Scottish revival of recent years; a powerful and authoritative No 8 who added steel and confidence to the sides she played in.
Kerin debuted for Wales in 2011. The birth of her son delayed her international career for a while, but she kept herself busy with tasks such as reffing.
Like so many players in this so-called professional era, she added an important job beyond the game, as an administrator at a Neath mental hospital.
C. We now know all the details of the 2026 Pacific Four Series.
Alan Gilpin of WR has underlined the significance they attach to the matches in the USA. It is the next big hunting ground for rugby to exploit.
One indicator of the organisers’ hopes is the capacities of the three grounds. Two can accommodate around 11,500, the Chicago venue (in much the biggest city) around 20,000.
For me the critical round is the second, where the Black Ferns have to prove they do have the measure of the Canadians, and the US Eagles have the chance to see off the visiting Wallaroos.
D. Who shall I play for?
Some of us want to see as level a global playing field as possible.
Haidee Head presents a perfect example of clashing priorities.
She was born in Brisbane and went on to become Rookie of the Year for Queensland Reds in 2023.
But her mother is English.
When Haidee came to England, Trailfinders snapped her up as a promising flanker. So impressive has her form been that she was called up to England’s first training session.
Then she reveals that, during her time back home, she was completely overlooked by Wallaroo staffs. For her the choice was obvious.
A dropped catch?
